Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has called for extensive consultations before any decision is taken on the proposed 20 percent increase in transport fares by commercial transport operators.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show, she said discussions on the matter are still ongoing and questioned the basis for the proposed adjustment.
“Unfortunately, at the Presidency, I am the one who deals with GPRTU issues, and I also work closely with many transport operators. This morning, I know they are meeting on the matter, and they have told me that a lot of consultations still need to be done,” she said.
Madam Jantuah disclosed that she would also engage transport operators to better understand the reasons behind the proposed fare increase.
“I will also meet with them to find out what the issue is. When it comes to transport fares, it is always a matter that is close to the heart of any government. However, consultations between government and transport operators must always take place before any final decision is made,” she stated.
She indicated that she was uncertain whether the announcement of the proposed 20 percent increase was based on completed negotiations.
“This release, I am not too sure whether it came out of any negotiations or what the basis for the 20 percent hike is. Looking at the situation, consultations are still ongoing,” she said.
According to her, transport fare adjustments are usually guided by specific industry thresholds, and it is important to determine whether those conditions have been met.
“What I know is that they have a certain window or threshold that, when reached, justifies an increase. Have they gotten to that threshold? That is the question we need to answer,” she noted.
Madam Jantuah stressed that decisions affecting transport fares are highly sensitive because they directly impact millions of Ghanaians.
“When it comes to these issues, Ghanaians must come first. The consumer, the worker, the student, and everyone who depends on public transport every day must be considered before any decision is concluded,” she said.
She revealed that both she and the Minister for Transport are scheduled to meet transport operators to discuss the matter further.
“The consultations are still ongoing. I have a meeting with them, and the Transport Minister also has a meeting with them to discuss the issue. Twenty percent in a vacuum raises questions. What indicators were used to arrive at that figure?” she asked.
On concerns about spare parts prices, Madam Jantuah urged importers to reduce their prices in line with recent improvements in economic indicators.
“We have discussed spare parts prices over and over again. We are appealing to importers to reduce their prices to reflect the current economic indicators,” she said.
She also advocated increased local production of vehicle spare parts to reduce dependence on imports and help stabilise costs.
“I agree with those who say we should grow our own industries. If some of these spare parts are manufactured at Suame Magazine and other industrial hubs across the country, rather than being imported, costs will come down significantly. The time has come for us to diversify when it comes to spare parts production and supply,” she stated.
Madam Jantuah reiterated that transport operators must clearly explain the factors informing the proposed fare increase.
“They should tell us what exactly goes into the 20 percent. This is all about negotiation and dialogue. At the end of the day, it is the ordinary Ghanaian who bears the burden of any fare increase,” she added.
Her comments come amid plans by sections of commercial transport operators to increase fares by 20 percent from June 2, citing rising operational costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses.
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